US Defense Secretary Austin visits Philippines to strengthen security ties

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III will visit the Philippines this week to discuss security goals with local officials. This marks his fourth visit to the country, as part of a broader trip to strengthen alliances in the Indo-Pacific region. Austin's itinerary includes stops in Australia, Laos, and Fiji, where he will engage in multilateral meetings and reaffirm U.S. commitments to regional partnerships. His visit to Fiji will be the first by a U.S. Defense chief. Philippine military officials expressed confidence in continued U.S. support, emphasizing the strength of their long-standing military relationship. They noted that existing treaties will remain in effect despite changes in leadership in either country.